Mayor Steve Ferguson is terminating the state of emergency that he declared in March 2020 to help in the fight against the COVID-19 virus.
“The emergency declaration is no longer warranted as we continue to re-open and move into the recovery phase of this global pandemic,” Mayor Ferguson says. “The virus is still out there, but thanks to vaccines, we can protect ourselves from the worst of COVID-19. I encourage residents to get their doses of the COVID-19 vaccine if they have not done so already and continue to follow the masking requirements.”
The Province of Ontario today further eased public health measures by lifting capacity limits in all remaining indoor public settings and lifting the vaccine requirements for all settings. The County has aligned its services with the provincial changes while taking steps where appropriate to ensure the health and safety of the public. The County’s vaccination policy remains in place for Council members, municipal staff and volunteer fire fighters. As well, the municipality is continuing enhanced cleaning of dressing rooms at the arenas in Wellington and Picton.
Masks continue to be required in all indoor settings as per provincial regulations. The County is enforcing mask requirements in County-operated facilities, including arenas and town halls. Those with medical or religious exemptions must provide written proof of the exemption. The municipality’s temporary mask by-law remains in effect as well. The by-law will be reconsidered after the province lifts its mask mandate, which is anticipated to happen within the next several weeks.
In-person attendance at Council, Committee of the Whole, and Planning Committee meetings will resume in April. Meetings will take place at the Highline Hall at the Wellington and District Community Centre beginning with the Council meeting on Tuesday, April 5.
“Over the past two years, Prince Edward County residents have sacrificed in order to safeguard their family and friends and to ensure the health-care resources in our community were not overwhelmed,” Mayor Ferguson says. “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has followed the public health guidelines.”
THE ABOVE IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY
